Boys’ Hockey Weathers Winter Storm En Route to Victory Against Hotchkiss

Braving the New England winter storm last Saturday, the boys’ varsity hockey team ventured down to Hotchkiss School for a trip that would last until 1 a.m. as the boys boasted an impressive 5-3 win. The teams were originally scheduled to play at Wesleyan University, but to avoid cancellation, Big Red took on the four-hour drive to Connecticut.

“Hotchkiss didn’t want to play us and tried a few times to reschedule. Being the team and school that we are, we refused. We wanted to play some hockey,” said postgraduate Matt Brooks.

For some members of the team, it was mentally tough to come off a four-hour bus ride ready to play a full game, especially with this being the fifth longest away game of the season. Still, the boys bounced back and were resilient against the Hotchkiss Bearcats.

“It doesn’t matter where we’re playing: we want to win and aren't going to give anyone an easy game,” said prep Hunter McCoy.

In the first period, upper Graham Rutledge sent a wrist shot into the back of Hotchkiss’ net, marking the first goal for Exeter. The energy was intense during the first period and with the help of a key player, goalie and senior Joe Lazzaro, Big Red prevented any goals for the Bearcats.

“A game like this just bands us together more. Just another win for us to build off.”

“It was really tough coming off the bus and playing relatively shortly thereafter, but our mentality going into the game, as is for every away game, is to finish the first period with no goals against us,” said Rutledge.

Within the first twenty seconds of the second period, senior Devin Moore caught a pass from senior Trevor Cosgrove and rushed down the rink on a breakaway, scoring Exeter’s second goal. A minute later, Hotchkiss committed a penalty. As they were down a player, upper Bradley Ingersoll ripped another shot into the net. Then, in another breakaway, senior Ben Solin forced in the fourth goal for Exeter, leaving Hotchkiss’ goalie stunned. At the end of the second, postgraduate Christian Thompson snuck in the fifth and final goal for Big Red. This was Thompson’s first game back after recovering from a broken hand earlier in the season. Two other crucial players, senior Peter Christie and postgraduate Matt Brooks, were also back for this game after injuries.

With these key components back on the ice, the boys are rolling and ready to finish the season off strong. Brooks admits that the upcoming games won’t be easy but will be a challenge they are ready to take on. “We will be stronger than ever with fourteen dedicated forwards that can contribute on any given and every given night,” said Brooks.

There is still a lot of the team to work on. While Big Red was up 5-0 going into the third it was difficult for the boys to stay focused and a couple of turnovers led to three goals for Hotchkiss. Thanks to the Big Red’s skilled goalie, they were able to hold the lead and come through with a win. The team hopes to use the win’s momentum moving forward.

“A game like this just bands us together more. Just another win for us to build off,” said upper Matthew McShea.

The boys’ next home game will be Saturday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. against Cushing Academy. This will be the second time this season that the team faces the Cushing Penguins, one of their biggest rivals.

Cushing will be seeking revenge for the close overtime win for Exeter in December, and the game should be exciting to watch. Although, with the help of a big crowd, Big Red is hopeful to take the win. “You’d have to be crazy not to come watch the Cushing game,” said senior Jordan Haney.